Technology and Climate Change Adaptation

A major threat to our planet, climate change is something that affects everyone from across the globe. Every year, we hear about catastrophic news and tragedies from across the globe that are attributed to these changes.

While undoing the decades of abuse and neglect seems impossible, there is still hope. And technological innovations are vital in making our generation adaptable to the effects of climate change.

Recognizing the reality and imminent threats of climate change on our planet, world leaders have passed the Paris Agreement on Climate Change in 2016. This historic accord gives hope to our planet.

Among others, the Paris Agreement envisions to reduce global emissions. But solving our climate problem requires more than just cutting emissions. Alongside cooperation from governments and world leaders, we need technologies with a lasting impact on our planet which will make us more resilient and adaptable.

These are some technologies that could help limit climate change and increase our climate change adaptability.

Weather forecasting technologies

Extreme weather conditions, such as typhoons, hurricanes, flooding, and drought, are among the biggest threats of climate change. And they are not just threats; we see them now in various parts of the planet. Weather forecasting can be tremendously improved with the aid of new technologies. Technological innovations in the field of software, satellites, and sensors can help make weather predictions more reliable and timely.

Supercomputers

As the need for real-time and more effective weather forecasting becomes apparent, supercomputers will come handy. Dallas computer support experts from Morgan Systems explain that faster and more powerful supercomputers are capable of processing an immense amount of data which can be useful in making real-time weather predictions.

Transport

The World Bank estimates that 23% of global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions are due to transportation. They also project that the demand for transport will further increase in the future.

Technology can help revolutionize the way people move and travel. Although electricity-powered vehicles are already around, there’s still the need for further innovation to make these vehicles more commercially viable and road worthy. Electric-powered vehicles need more efficient batteries as well as battery-charging technology.

A very promising research from the University of Surrey has found new materials for creating a more powerful battery that is 1,000 to 10,000 times more powerful than the existing battery. These supercapacitors can potentially make electric cars at par with petrol cars, in terms of speed, power, and distance.

Power generation

Harnessing electricity from renewable resources can help significantly cut carbon emissions. There are different potential sources of electricity such as hydropower, wind turbines, solar power, and nuclear power (although we have to develop a cost-effective and safer way to harness nuclear power.) The good news is that investors and governments are now veering towards green energy.

Water purification

Droughts are among the unwanted effects of our climate problem. In addition, rising sea levels increase the salt content of groundwater making it non-potable and unusable. Water is life and the lack of it can prove fatal to communities. Advanced water purification technologies, particularly desalination technology, are seen to help address the increasing need for fresh water.

Sensors

Continuous and real-time monitoring of environmental changes is crucial in evaluating the impact of global warming. Sensors can help provide accurate environmental data. These gadgets can be strategically located in the atmosphere, ocean, flood zones, soil, and other areas that need continuous monitoring. Gathering accurate data is essential in developing solutions and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Manufacturing

Producing about 30% of global emissions, the manufacturing industry is a major contributor to climate change. Technology can tremendously improve the way we produce or manufacture things. More streamlined production processes that rely on green energy can significantly cut carbon emissions.

There are technologies that are aimed to get rid of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. A Canadian start-up, Carbon Engineering, is working on a technology that would transform carbon emissions into fuel. Technological innovations such as this can greatly help remove unwanted emissions in the atmosphere, much faster than trees and plants can.

Flood mitigation technologies

As sea levels continue to rise and floods become commonplace, there is a need for vulnerable communities to look for technologies that will mitigate the impact of recurrent flooding. Some technologies include building homes on elevated stilts, cultivating crops that are resistant to flooding, and developing barriers around bodies of water in populated regions.